Georgian Ambassador to Azerbaijan: We support each other in all levels and within the framework of international organizations

How do you value the current level of political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as economic-trade relations between the countries?

First of all, it should be noted that Georgia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners. Our relationship is quite in high level and there is a positive development dynamic in the spheres of political dialogue and economic relations. For example, goods turnover between the countries exceeded $500 million last year. This is very good indication. Our economic and trade relationship, particularly in the fields of energy, construction, tourism and infrastructure are developing quite intensively. The volume of investment is increasing. Our potential is not limited and we expect increase of good turnover in the next years.

What phase is the construction of the Georgian part of Baku-Akhalkalaki-Kars railway in?

The project gained high-level political support. It will link Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey in the economic and commercial fields. Despite some claims, the implementation of this project has never been delayed. The railway construction was started last year and still underway. It is OK with the funding of the project. A terminal station is constructed now in the Georgian part of the railway. It testifies that the construction work will be finished next year. According to the preliminary reports, the construction of Baku-Akhalkalaki-Kars railway will be finished by the end of 2012.

The volume of Azerbaijani investment in the Georgian economy has been increased in recent years. What fields are invested and is there any plan for investment promotion?

It would be to the point to underline the energy sector at first. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) invested about $500 million in the Georgian economy. This is quite serious investment and growth of Azerbaijani investment is observed now. SOCAR built a modern terminal in Kulevi. The company provides gas supply of the Georgian villages as a supplier and distributor. This is very serious and complicate work. Today Azerbaijani companies invest the construction, infrastructure and light industries of Georgia. Azerbaijan’s Embawood Company built a furniture plant in Georgia and extends its business there. Same situation is observed in the banking system. International Bank of Azerbaijan opened its branch in Tbilisi, which conducts financial operations. In a word, the increase of investment is observed in both public and private sectors.

Is the next meeting of the joint commission on delimitation of Azerbaijani-Georgian border scheduled?

The joint commission is headed by the deputy foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Georgia. The experts are working now on it. Following their consultations, the foreign ministers will meet to discuss the issue. A little part of the state border has not been solved yet. But it is possible to reach common agreement.

Recently newspapers have claimed that the sides were discussing the possibility of exchange of territories.

The newspapers can write many things. But the fact is that the experts are working and it wouldn’t be correct to give details when the negotiations are still going on. The experts should submit their opinions and coordinated version where and how the border line will pass. I can say only that two thirds of the border delimitation was coordinated, but one thirds is still negotiated.

Azerbaijan and Georgia faced with military aggression. What do you think must our countries support each other to combat separatism?

We support each other. We support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and in its turn, Azerbaijan supports the territorial integrity of Georgia. We support each other in all levels and within the framework of international organizations. The international law is in favour of us.


/APA/